Oxford gets an official birth date: July 8, 1713

OXFORD — After 300 years, it is finally official. Oxford was incorporated on July 8, 1713. At least that is what the Legislature voted this year.

State Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, was joined by state representatives Paul K. Frost, R-Auburn, and Ryan C. Fattman, R-Webster, at last night's selectmen's meeting to announce the news.

Mr. Moore said researchers were unable to find an official record that the town was incorporated 300 years ago.

"Maybe it was hijacked," he said. "Despite the best efforts of the Oxford police, state police and National Guard, the date of incorporation could not be found. In order to eliminate any question and make sure the 300th anniversary celebration was held on the correct date, the court of last resort — the General Court — officially established July 8, 1713, as the date of establishment," Mr. Moore said.

He presented selectmen with a signed copy of the act, dated Aug. 7, 2013, that officially "validated, ratified, confirmed and declared" the town's birth date as July 8, 1713, and said, "This signed copy of ratification can be kept for the archives for the 400th anniversary. It is retroactive."

The trio of legislators also presented the town with a check from the state for $10,000 to help fund this year's tercentennial celebration.

On a more serious note, Town Manager Joseph M. Zeneski informed selectmen that four local establishments were caught, in an Oxford Police Department sting, selling alcoholic beverages to a minor. Selectmen voted to hold hearings on the license violations on Oct. 22 by Pine Ridge Country Club, 28 Pleasant St.; Dairy Express, 2 Sutton Ave.; Oxford Package Store, 331 Main St., and Route 12 Variety, 126 Main St. All four are considered first-time offenders, meaning they have had no other violations within the last 30 months.